Warm weather, lack of moisture create tinder-dry conditions

Wellington Fire Chief Scott Rowley sprays burning grass near the Union Pacific tracks on U.S. Highway 6 on Tuesday. Warm, dry weather has melted the snow and turned dry weeds into tinder for fires. The incident on Tuesday may have been caused by a passing train. But a match, hot exhaust or various ignition sources could cause fires at locations across the county and state. Fire officials caution Carbon County residents to carefully monitor all controlled burns permitted in the local area. People who wish to burn ditch banks, lawns or weeds should check with local fire officials for the proper procedures to follow.